Angie's LIST Guide to
Gutter systems

How often gutters need to be cleaned depends on the part of the country and whether there are nearby trees. If you live in the Arizona desert, you may be able to go several years, but for those who live where autumn leaves fall, it's important to clean gutters at least twice a year.

The most important time is in late fall after all or most of the leaves have come down. Most deciduous trees also drop debris in the spring, so an early summer cleaning is important as well. Those who live in heavily wooded areas may find it necessary to clear the gutters three or four times a year.

Homeowners can clean their own gutters using an extension ladder and by scooping the leaves out by hand or with a short broom. Smaller debris can be washed out with a garden hose.

Don't wait until your gutters look like this.

Always make sure the downspouts are not clogged and that they are carrying water away from the house foundation.

Hiring a gutter cleaning service:

Many homeowners hire gutter cleaning services for this task. Cost will vary depending on the size of your house, but a ballpark estimate would be around $175.

This can be a particularly good choice for homeowners who have gutters that are difficult to reach, or who no longer feel physically comfortable doing the job themselves.

But there's another group of homeowners who ought to consider hiring a service -- those who for whatever reason just don't get around to doing the job themselves. You know who your are. Remember, the worst choice is to neglect it because that will cost more in the long run. If you want to do it yourself, that's fine -- as long as you actually get around to it.

Hiring a good gutter cleaning service is like anything else -- you need to be careful who you pick. Make sure the company has insurance and a good track record. If you join Angie's List, you will be able to search for gutter cleaning companies in your community and see which ones have been given good recommendations from past customers.

Manufacturers use several different types of materials to make gutters. There is wide variability in durability, curb appeal, weather resistance and price. These and other factors will determine which rain gutter system is best for your home.

Aluminum gutters are a popular choice because they are easy to install, fairly weather-resistant and economical. They are available in a wide range of colors and cost between $4 and $7 per linear foot. The curb appeal is good, but can diminish somewhat over time. The main disadvantage of aluminum that it is readily damaged and bent by flying debris and high winds.

Copper gutters may be the right option for owners of historic or high-value homes. The curb appeal is high, but if you want to retain the copper's natural color, it will be more expensive and difficult to maintain. If patina is what you want, forgo the sealants and let nature take its course. The cons of copper are the $15 to $30 price tag. This makes copper the most expensive gutter material. There's also a risk that copper gutters will be stripped off of your house by thieves for the metal value. This risk ebbs and flows with the price of copper.

Stainless steel gutters are not a very common for residences, both because of cost and upkeep (rust). However, it’s the most durable gutter material and will withstand extreme weather conditions. With proper maintenance, steel gutters will last a lifetime. Steel gutters cost $9 to $12 per linear foot. The drawbacks to steel are its low curb appeal and the maintenance required to prevent rust and corrosion.

Vinyl gutters have become very popular because they are easy to install and have a wide range of color options. The $3 to $5 per-foot price range makes vinyl one of the most economical choices. The curb appeal is good because vinyl is available in numerous colors and is generally fade-resistant. However, vinyl may not do well in extreme temperatures. Cold temperatures cause the material to become fragile and crack with continued exposure. Vinyl is also prone to damage during high winds.

Wood gutters would be a rare choice, but wood is sometimes used for restoration work. The curb appeal is high, but it requires more maintenance to prevent cracks or rot. It's also difficult to install and the cost ranges between $12 and $20 per linear foot.